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Mandalay

Mandalay

Since its establishment in 1857, Mandalay is referred to as the second largest city in Myanmar next to Yangon.

Mandalay lies on the east bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River where is the upper part of Myanmar. Mandalay has the well sophisticated Royal Palace of the last Konbaung Dynasty; and Mandalay obviously inherits important cultural heritage from the ancient Myanmar and its history.

Today, Mandalay is the economic hub of upper class Burma and considered the center of Burmese culture. Mandalay Hill, 230 meters in elevation, reflects a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings. Mandalay is known for the place for Myanmar’s tradition and heritage. There are many arts and crafts and the techniques delivered from the last century.

It is an eye opening experience to visit Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar, to experience the balanced co-existence of traditional life style and modern life style in Myanmar.

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History of Mandalay

Mandalay is referred to as the 2nd major city in Myanmar as the existence of the last Dynasty of Myanmar until the invasion of England.

The King Mindon during Konbaung Dynasty under the King Alaungpaya since 1752 had decided to move the capital city of Myanmar from Amarapura to Mandalay and had started to process the move. However the scheme of England forcing invasion of Myanmar had already been planned just as the rest of the Asian country facing the colonization by the Europe based in India at the same time.
England had invaded Yangon in the year of 1852, and gradually invaded Mawlamyaing, Martaban (Mottama), Pathein and Pyay (Prome).
Even though there was a slight chance of keeping the Konbaung Dynasty as it was because the King Mindon was highly skilled in diplomacy; however the chance had diminished as the King Mindon passed away in 1878 taken over by the King Thibaw who had no knowledge and skill of diplomacy.
Eventually, England had completed the invasion of Mandalay in 1885 capturing the King Thibaw and expelled to India. (Until this day there are descendants of King Thibaw near Ratnagiri in India.)
The last dynasty capital of Myanmar, Mandalay, had finally closed its doors after the 26 years of history.
Even though the period under the King Mindon was rather short the King Mindon was well known and respected for building the historic architectures in Myanmar such as famous Pagoda and temples.
The most of the famous pagodas and temples in Myanmar were built during the Dynasty of King Mindon. As matter a fact, the traditional puppet show carried on today symbolizes the Dynasty of King Mindon.

How to get around

  • Parks & Gardens

    The fascinating areas in Mandalay are proximate places near Mandalay Hill and the downtown area. From downtown to Mandalay there are pickup trucks (reformed truck with passenger seats added at the back of the truck), motor cycles, taxies and etc. to efficiently go around.

MUST SEE

  • Zeigyo Market

    The biggest Market in Mandalay. There are many different stores within the market to attract tourists sectioned by the types of stores. Pharmacy and drug stores, banking and exchan...

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  • Old Palace

    Old Palace is referred to as the last Dynasty era, Konbaung Dynasty. The squared shaped area is about 3 km square and it is rather spacious. It is surrounded by the 8m walls with s...

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  • Kuthodaw Paya

    Kuthodaw Paya which is reformed Shwezigon Paya in Bagan where located South East bottom of Mandalay Hill. The characteristic of this pagoda is 729 Small paya within the pagoda. The...

    Read more